Thread: One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other

Or are they?
I recently snagged this sub $40.00 razor. Honestly, I didn't care whether I 'won' it or not. Now...well, I'm reasonably happy.
But the question I have is this:
All things being equal (as if that is possible), which do you think makes the biggest difference between razors, manufacturers, grind, century produced, size...or anything else? Or is the difference ephemeral or simply personal?
I thought of this when I had sanitized, honed and shaved with this razor yesterday. It was remarkably efficient. The pride of ownership factor is not particularly high but this is a capable razor and it made me think that there may be little difference between razors in a given category. This one would be German, 20th century, full hollow, 11/16's. How does this compare with my 19th century Greaves wedge? Well, I'd rather hold the Greaves and I cherish this razor but my face at the end of the shave was about the same...smooth.
Any thoughts along this line?

I think all those things you mention will certainly come into play especially to many experienced users and collectors, I certainly look for all those things, the big deal breaker for me is the point I only collect and use square points and the solitary Barbers notch I own, I know many would find it strange but a razor with a round point looks very odd looking to me it's purely aesthetics I also find 13/16 my sweet spot.

I feel the same about round points...little interest, but the French point, well, I have one, and I like it a lot. They seem like they would be unwieldy but I found the opposite to be true.

For me the end result is about the same with anything I use regardless of the factors mentioned. I do have my personal preferences but that makes little difference in the shave achieved. The only caveat being the edges are all equally well honed.

Bob

At this point in my purchasing I am mostly focused on blades that I want for long term residents. I am not so much about wanting to try all of them anymore, maybe because I have had so many pass through. I can say with certainty very few things, but the hand that honed the blade and the experience of the hand that shaves the face have a far greater impact on the outcome (comfort and closeness) of the shave. The blades change with grind, age and cool factor, but all of quality manufacture right from the get go, with the two important factors in place they are are very very similar in the results.

I like the idea of heirlooms. Shaving with a razor that my grandfather used would be awesome. The bummer thing Im pretty sure he pitched it in the trash as soon as he could. Maybe it's just me, but all razors are neat to me and scales are replaceable if they don't suit.

That's a neat razor for being sub $40.00, I just lost a nice Geo. Pipe razor after I went to bed, two other folks had a bit of war going on and I lost. Oh well, the guy wanted $6.80 bucks for shipping so I don't feel too bad, saved me about $30.00. I didn't bid too much because of the shipping charges. Btw, I like quarter to half hollows square points and at least a 6/8ths, the heavier blade just feels better in my hand.

Same happens with me. I "collect" beautiful MK31s on faux ivory scales just because occasionally I gathered two and think "why not to make a 7 day set? They are cheaper, more abundant, less sought by shavers and so beautiful and good shavers than the ones scaled on real ivory". I already gathered 5 of them and I love them.

HOWEVER... The two razors I like the most to shave, because they just shave better in my hands, are an obscure Caudano Torino and a recent bought Ran Tan Ka Rus with a vast smile, both 6/8 full hollows. The red devil beats the Caudano in a single aspect: Its bellied edge, that easier reaches the hollows of my neck and face. Besides that, they are tête-a-tête.

I also like my wedges, framebacks, and other razors, but definitively shave worst with wedges, razors smaller than 4/8 or bigger than 6/8.

For me, the small razor had the biggest learning curve.

I'm finding myself drawn more to "unique" or "interesting" pieces more than a certain width or grind. Things that catch my eye are nice spine work, scales, or blade profiles. Give it a few years, things will change again.